Three Europeans arrested in Peru for smuggling over 3,000 tarantulas

Peruvian authorities arrested one Polish national and two German citizens at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, for attempting to illegally transport more than 3,000 tarantulas to Germany. The spiders were discovered hidden inside used socks packed within the suspects' luggage during a routine security check by agents from the National Forestry and Wildlife Service (SERFOR).

The seized collection included spider eggs, juveniles, and fully mature specimens, some of which belong to species not yet described by science. Among the items was the Pamphobeteus antinous, a protected and endangered species native to South America. SERFOR representative Cora Suarez stated that the traffickers had carefully selected the specimens from various regions across Peru. One source notes that one of the suspects may be a distinguished individual, though further official confirmation is pending.

The suspects were taken into custody by the Peruvian National Police, and an official investigation has been opened into the smuggling operation. The animals were recovered by wildlife experts and placed into plastic containers for rehabilitation. The authorities are currently processing the legal case, and the individuals face potential criminal charges related to the illegal trafficking of protected wildlife.